aThis is D-day,a Grenville said. aI take her to bed tonight. I managed to squeeze another five thousand out of that horrible little man. You had better have a cut,a and he offered Archer a thousand franc note.
Archer, who was getting worried by the way his money was disappearing in expensive Paris, eagerly took the money.
aIave read through all this junk Patterson gave me,a Grenville went on. aSurely no one in their right mind would invest money in such a scheme?a aIt is possible, but extremely unlikely,a Archer said. aIt is a gamble, but I am quite sure Helga wonat be interested. She is far too shrewd to put her money in such a project. Now, here is what you tell heraa For the next half hour, Grenville listened, then finally, when Archer had finished his coaching, Grenville nodded.
aYes. I go along with all that, but after? When she turns me down? What do we do? Have you thought up an idea, Jack?a aI have the germ of an idea, but it is too early yet to discuss it. Get her to bed. This is the important thing. Once in bed, she is yours.a Archer smiled. aAnd mine.a At 20.00, two waiters arrived at Helgaas suite and set up a table, placed a hot plate on a trolley and two ice buckets, containing bottles of champagne. While they worked, Helga, burning with impatience, kept looking at her watch. She had on a Dior fine wool suit in apricot. Her jewellery was simple: gold ear-rings and gold bracelets. She was looking her magnificent best.
The matre dah"tel arrived and supervised the final touches to the table.
aAll is now ready, madame,a he said. aNothing will spoil. I am sure you will be satisfied.a Helga nodded.
aThank you.a She gave him a hundred-franc note, and he left, bowing.
She paced around the suite, continually looking at her watch. As the minute hand moved to 20.30, there came a tap on the door. She had to restrain herself from running. She opened the door.
Grenville, in a dark immaculately cut suit, wearing the Old Etonian tie, took her hand and brushed it with his lips.
aHow beautiful you look!a he exclaimed. aIt seems a century since I last saw you.a As he entered the suite, he saw the laid table. aBut Helga! I was going to take youaa aNot tonight,a she said, a little breathlessly. aThis is my turn. Letas have a drink.a She waved to the bottles on a separate table. aIall have a vodka martini.a aMy drink too,a Grenville said, and putting a briefcase he was carrying on a chair, he began to mix the drink. aHave you been shopping?a He smiled at her. aBuying up Balmain?a aNo. Iave been walking over a dreary building site with two very dreary colleagues. And you?a Grenville laughed.
aI was doing exactly the same.a He carried the drinks to a table, and as Helga sat down, he pulled up a chair near her. aWhat are we going to eat?a She sipped her drink and nodded her approval.
aThis is as good as Hinkle makes.a aHinkle?a aMy old and faithful major-domo whom I have left in my Florida home. He makes the most divine omelettes.a Grenville wasnat interested in old and faithful major-domos.
aBut you havenat told me what we are going to eat?a aYou sound hungry.a He gave her his flashing smile.
aI am. I am only just back from Nice. I couldnat face that awful stuff they serve on the plane, so I havenat eaten all day.a He had, in fact, paused on the way back to Paris in the Maserati to have a light lunch, but Grenville could never resist gaining sympathy from women.
aNice? I love the south of France. Drink up then, and letas eat.a While Grenville served the lobster mousse, Helga kept looking at him. She kept thinking: he really is marvellous! There is that wonderful thing about him no other man Iave ever known has had.
aTell me about Nice,a she said, as they began to eat.
aActually, Helga, I want your advice. I may have to go to Saudi Arabia in a couple of daysa time and, frankly, I donat want to go.a This was a shock to Helga. She looked at him, stiffening.
aSaudi Arabia? But why?a She thought: Dear G.o.d! Am I going to lose him?
aIt is rather a long story, but if you can bear with it, Iall tell you.a He took another helping of the mousse. aThis is quite excellent. Wonat you have more?a Helga shook her head.
aTell me about Saudi Arabia.a aItas this stupid project,a Grenville said. aFor you to understand, let me lightly sketch in the background. I have an income from England, left me by my father (a lie). At one time, it was acceptable, but no longer. When the pound sterling was strong, I was very comfortably off, but now, with the present currency exchange, I am, frankly, having a struggle to live the way I wish to live, so I have accepted this stupid job which was offered me by an American property promoter. He is the worldas worst bore. He has a pipe dream of promoting holiday camps in the sunspots of Europe. He wants money. He decided I could raise the money. Iave talked to a number of wealthy business men, but they arenat interested. Now he imagines there is so much money in Saudi Arabia they will fall over themselves to give him the money. I am sure this is sheer nonsense, but he wants me to go. He offers to pay my expenses, and also, quite a handsome retainer.a He pushed his plate aside, then shrugged. aI think Iall have to go.a Getting up, he took away their plates and served the noisette de veau. aThis looks marvellous,a he said, as he carried the plates to the table. aI love this serve-yourself idea of yours.a But Helgaas mind was busy. She had only five more days in France, then she would be returning to Paradise City. She couldnat bear the thought of Grenville going off to Saudi Arabia and leaving her on her own.
She forced a smile.
aI thought it would please you. Tell me about this project, Chris.a Sheas biting, he thought, but waved his hand deprecatingly.
aIt just wouldnat be interesting to you or to anyone,a he said as he began to eat. aHmmm, this is really good!a aI want to know about it!a The sudden snap in her voice startled him.
aAll right, but later. Actually, I have all the papers here.a He nodded to the briefcase, lying on the chair, and that was his false move.
Archer had warned him to be very careful how he handled Helga, but seeing her determined interest, he had allowed himself to be just too confident.
Seeing his confident smile, Helga regarded him. A red light flashed up in her mind. Archer had told Grenville that she was shrewd and quick to smell a con and he knew Helga: this warning was meant to be taken seriously, but Grenville, so used to dealing with rich, stupid women, hadnat taken the warning seriously enough.
Helga was now asking herself if this was an opening gambit for some swindle. Now, looking at Grenville, who was happily eating, she told herself not to be so suspicious, but the red light was up. She wanted this man. She wanted him in her bed. But suppose this was a setup?
Probing, she said casually, aIs this site in Nice?a aNo. It is in Vallauris. It is quite an impressive piece of land with marvellous views.a aHow many hectares?a Grenville had no idea. He shrugged.
aItas all in the plan, but letas enjoy this, Helga. I had no idea they could cook so well here. Wouldnat you like a little more?a He poured more champagne.
aNo more for me, thank you.a He was aware that she was studying him, her blue eyes uncomfortably direct.
aDonat look so serious, Helga,a he said. aIave told you this project couldnat possibly interest you, and I am also certain that the new Arabian king wouldnat part with a dollar.a aWho is this American you are working for? What is his name?a Grenville hesitated.
aHis name? Joe Patterson. Actually, he is staying in this hotel.a aShort, fat and pockmarked?a Grenville almost gaped at her.
aThatas right, and the worldas worst bore.a aI have seen him. How much does he want to promote this holiday camp?a Grenville had an uneasy feeling that the initiative was slipping away from him. This woman, looking directly at him, began to worry him.
aTwo million dollars.a He laughed. aAccording to him, that takes care of buying the site and putting up the camp, but who in their right mind, these days, would put up two million?a He grimaced. aNot that it wouldnat be a marvellous deal for me. I get a two per cent cut, and that would be nice money.a Again the red light flashed up in Helgaas mind.
aYes, I can understand why you are interested, Chris.a She sipped her champagne.
aWell, Iam sure it wonat come off, but it might be amusing to go to Saudi Arabia. Iave never been there.a aHave you any introductions?a The probing note in her voice again worried Grenville.
aI believe Mr. Patterson is arranging that.a Helga nodded, then laid down her knife and fork.
aDo help yourself, Chris. Iam sure you must still be starving.a aWell, itas so good.a While he was helping himself at the trolley, Helga lit a cigarette.
aA holiday camp?a she said. aThat might not be a bad investment. Two million? Vallauris? What would Mr. Pattersonas terms be if someone advanced the money?a Grenville stared, then returned to the table, his plate loaded, and sat down.
aHe is offering twenty-five per cent on the money.a aThat seems excessively generous. The banks would accept a lot less.a Grenville shrugged. He wished she would stop talking. He was thoroughly enjoying the meal.
aI wouldnat know about that, Helga.a aAnd how about control?a aFrom what I understand, he wants to keep control, but why bother? Surely you wouldnat be remotely interested?a There was a long pause which made him uneasy. As he ate, he looked from time to time at her. She sat still, her blue eyes cloudy, her face expressionless.
aLook, Helgaaa She lifted her hand in an impatient gesture.
aEnjoy it Chris, Iam thinking,a and the steely note in her voice made Grenville suddenly lose his appet.i.te. He pushed aside his plate.
aIave had more than enough.a aThere is cheese and a sorbet,a Helga said. aDo help yourself.a aWhat about you?a aCoffee, please.a He got up, reluctantly deciding to pa.s.s up the cheese, and poured two cups of coffee and sat at the table again. He could sense a change had come over her, but he couldnat define the change. She now seemed remote and her expression had hardened.
aLet me see these papers, Chris.a Some forty minutes ago, her body had been yearning to be taken. All day long, she had thought of this man, but now, with a growing conviction that she was being set up for a con, her desire for him faded.
As Archer, who knew her so well, had warned Grenville: aI believe that s.e.x would take second place, if she suspected she was being taken for a ride.a s.e.x was now taking second place.
aAre you sure you want to be bothered?a Grenville had an uneasy feeling that she was beginning to dominate him, and this worried him. Always, he had been able to control the women who had fallen for him.
aI asked you to show me these papers, Chris!a There was sudden steel in her voice.
A little fl.u.s.tered, and losing his cool, Grenville opened the briefcase and took out the coloured brochure and the plan of the site.
aGive yourself a brandy, nothing for me,a Helga said, and sitting back, studied the brochure, then the plan of the site, while Grenville, sure now he had lost control of the situation, wandered to the drinks table and poured himself a brandy.
aYou will seeaa he began, but she silenced him with an impatient wave of her hand.
aLet me read this first!a He cut himself a piece of cheese and ate it. Holding his brandy gla.s.s, he wandered over to the window, drew aside the drapes and stared down at the traffic. This woman, he warned himself, was going to be difficult, but he thought of the possibilities. Although his confidence in himself had been shaken, he was still sure, that once he could get her to bed, all would go well.
Finally, she put down the papers. Her sharp mind had absorbed the details. She realized this promotion would never get off the ground, but she did see how she could control this man who meant so much to her. It was ridiculously easy.
aThis could be interesting,a she said. aLet us talk about it.a She moved to the settee, and Grenville came over, and sat by her side. aI have so much money and I believe money should always be put to work. If Mr. Patterson is really prepared to pay twenty-five per cent on two million, yes, it is interesting.a Grenville stared at her.
aBut, Helga, dear! Surely youaa She waved him to silence.
aTwo million is nothing to me, and it would be nice for you to get two per cent. Now, this is what we will do. You and I will look at this site at Vallauris. I love the south of France. Itall be fun, and also business. We will stay at Cannes for a couple of days. The Carlton Hotel is always so kind to me. Donat worry about expenses: leave all that to me. Tell your Mr. Patterson that I am interested, and that you have persuaded me to look at the site. Telling him that will ensure, if the deal goes through, that you will get your commission.a She patted his hand. aLet us catch the 22.30 night flight tomorrow. What do you think?a Dazed, Grenville nodded.
aThat would be wonderful. Iall tell Mr. Patterson. He will be delighted.a aI am sure he will.a The blue eyes were steely. aAll right, Chris, this has been very exciting. I have had a long day. Leave all the arrangements to me. Let us meet in the lobby tomorrow evening at 19.00. Then together, we will fly to Nice.a He realized, with a sense of shock, that she was dismissing him.
aI was hopingaa he began, but stopped as she got to her feet.
aLater, Chris, tomorrow then.a As he reached for the papers and the brochure, she said curtly, aLeave those. I want to study them. Good night, Chris. I am sure we are going to have fun.a For the first time in his career as a gigolo, Grenville felt completely dominated. He kissed her hand, then bewildered, he let himself out of the suite. He stood in the corridor for several moments, then pulling himself together, he hurried to his own suite. He telephoned Archer and gave him a blow-by-blow account of the evening.
He heard Archer draw in a deep breath of exasperation.
aI told you she was n.o.bodyas fool!a Archer exploded. aI warned you! Youave blown it! She now knows this is a con!a aBut she is taking me to Vallauris tomorrow!a Grenville said, his voice high-pitched. aIf she knows it is a con, why should she do that?a aThat shows how little you know about her, but youall learn,a Archer said sourly. aShe is after your body. Now listen, Chris, do exactly what she wants you to do. Donat argue with her. Go along with her. My idea is germinating.a aFor G.o.das sake! What idea?a aGive me a few more days, and remember, Chris, donat ever imagine you can outsmart Helga. She is very special.a He paused, then went on, aBut I can. Go along with her, and leave the rest to me,a and hung up.
Grenville stood on the balcony of his room at the Carlton Hotel, Cannes, feeling the hot sun against his face. He looked down at the crowded Croisette. For the first time in his gigolo life, he felt unsure of himself and unhappy.
The previous day, in Paris, he had talked to Patterson, telling him that Helga wanted to see the site at Vallauris. Patterson beamed and clapped Grenville on his shoulder.
aSo sheas biting! Youare doing a swell job, Grenville! When she sees the site, sheas going to get really steamed up! Itas a beaut! Now, hereas what you do: call Henri Leger when you get to Cannes. Youall find him in the book. Heas the guy who is handling the site. Heall take you both there. Once she has seen it, the dealas as good as fixed!a Grenville had hoped to see Helga, but the concierge at the Plaza Athenee Hotel had told him that Madame Rolfe had gone out and he had no idea when she would be returning.
After a lonely, unhappy day, wandering around Paris, Grenville was in his suite when Helga telephoned. The time was 18.00.
aSee you in an hour, Chris, in the lobby,a she said briskly. aEverything is arranged. Bring enough clothes for a week.a Never before had a woman given him orders. He attempted to a.s.sert himself.
aHelga, Iaa She cut him short.
aLater Chris, I have people here,a and she hung up.
Then Archer telephoned.
aHow is it going?a he asked.
aG.o.d knows!a Grenville said. aSheas getting on top of me! I donat know if I can stand her much longer! Sheas treating me like a d.a.m.ned gigolo!a Archer laughed sourly.
aThatas what you are, arenat you? Take it easy. My brain child is getting underway. When you get to the Carlton, telephone me. Now, remember, Chris, be her gigolo, get her into bed!a Angrily, Grenville slammed down the receiver.
But he was in the lobby at 19.00 with a suitcase. He was aware that Patterson, sitting in an alcove, a whisky in his hand, was watching.
Helga appeared with the manager of the hotel. There were elaborate good-byes, tips, handshaking while Grenville stood and watched.
Finally, Helga came to him, smiling.
aLetas go, Chris.a She laughed. He thought she was looking young and marvellous, and very alive.
There was a chauffeur-driven Cadillac waiting. While they were being driven to Orly airport, Helga chatted. She had had a dreadful day with her colleagues.
aThe fuss men make about buying a site!a she exclaimed and threw up her hands. aIam so glad to get away from them! Tell me, Chris, what have you been doing today?a What had he been doing? Nothing, but he pulled himself together, and launched into a fict.i.tious visit to a picture gallery on the Left Bank, but he quickly realized she wasnat listening.
There were two porters to handle the luggage at the airport. There was an air hostess to take them to the V.I.P. lounge. Grenville was aware that he was just an onlooker, a role that irritated him, and he realized for the first time the power of Rolfeas millions. On the plane, two air hostesses administered to them. The Flight captain came and shook hands with Helga, ignoring Grenville. She seemed to know him for she asked after his children. Grenville found he was no more than a stooge, and he turned sulky, but Helga apparently didnat notice. She talked gaily, laughed and enjoyed herself.
There was a Mercedes waiting for them at the Nice airport. The chauffeur, an elderly man, took off his cap as Helga approached. She shook hands with him, and asked after his wife, while Grenville waited, feeling like a dummy.
The drive to Cannes took only twenty minutes. The manager of the Carlton Hotel was there to greet Helga. He bowed distantly to Grenville, scarcely seeing him as Helga introduced him to Grenville.
aChris, Iam tired, tomorrow,a she said, and was whisked away, while he took the second elevator to his room.
Now, this morning, a note arrived with his breakfast.
Bore! I have business. Enjoy yourself. Meet me in the lobby at 21.00. Helga.
This woman was beginning to frighten him. He had told her he had visited the site at Vallauris. Now, he realised how stupid that lie had been. She would expect him to take her there tomorrow, and he hadnat the vaguest idea where the site was! He had to do something about that! He called Henri Leger"s office.
A girl said, aMonsieur Leger is out. He wonat be back until this afternoon.a aI am acting on behalf of Mr. Joe Patterson who has an option on a site at Vallauris,a Grenville said. aCan you tell me where the site is situated?a aMr. Leger is on the site now,a the girl told him. aMadame Rolfe is with him.a Grenville felt a chilly sensation run up his spine.
aItas all right, donat bother,a he said and hung up.
He remembered Archeras warning. Donat ever imagine you can outsmart Helga.
Well, all right, he thought, then I play along with her. The crunch will come after I have slept with her. That is what Archer has kept telling me. At least, I am covered. I have always told her this promotion is ridiculous.
He put a call through to Archer.
aItas all right,a Archer said, after listening to Grenvilleas tale. aBy now, she has found out Pattersonas promotion is a lemon, but she is still interested in you. Play the innocent. Iam coming down, and Iall be at the Clarice Hotel tonight. I am almost ready with my idea. Take it easy, Chris. We are going to get two million dollars out of her. Sheas smart, but I am smarter.a Grenville hoped to G.o.d he was.
He was in the lobby at 21.00, after spending a day wandering around the shops at Cannes, then taking a swim, but not enjoying a moment of it.
Helga, in a turquoise-coloured silk chiffon dress and a white fox stole, swept out of the elevator and joined him.
aChris! Iam starving! We are going to the Boule daor. Did you have a lovely day?a Without waiting for his reply, she swept through the lobby, and to where the Mercedes was waiting.
They were driven swiftly to a restaurant overlooking the harbour where Helga received a royal welcome while Grenville, feeling more and more inadequate, stood around, until the welcome was over.
aMy husband and I always ate here,a Helga explained as they settled at a table on the terrace. aLouis can be relied on.a She smiled at the matre dah"tel as he hurried to her side. aLouis! So good to see you again! We want a lovely dinner. Suggest something.a aMadame, why not your favourite: crepes with shrimps and tuna fish, and a boned duck with prunes?a Helga looked at Grenville.
aIt is wonderful. Why not?a Grenville hesitated. He longed to a.s.sert himself, but his confidence had gone.
aAll right.a aNow you choose the wines, Chris. You are so expert.a That, at least, gave him back some initiative. He began to examine the wine list as the wine waiter hovered. Then just as he was about to order, Helga said, aJacques, have you that divine Margaux a29 which my husband so enjoyed?a The wine waiter bowed.
aJust two bottles left, madame.a aOh, Chris, you must try that, and they have a wonderful Domaine de Chevalier.a Defeated and deflated, Grenville closed the wine list.